When to set the hook tip-up fishing...

[IceProwler]

When do you do it? I have typically waited until they are done with their first main run....

But, have been told I am wrong and you should do it while they are running?

What is everybody's opinion?

[Archerysniper]

With eyes I allways wait for it too stop and when it starts again then set. With pike I set when it's still running the faster it runs the better luck I have had.

[sodajerk]

We've always set the hook at the beginning of the second run, after the pause.

Theory being that the fish pulls the bait into its mouth farther when it stops, while during the first run it may be just carrying the bait in its teeth, so the hook may or may not even be in the fish's mouth during the first part of the run.

[deadeye]

I use a quick strike rig so I nail them right away. With that rig if a fish has the bait, they got a hook so there is no need to wait. Over the past few years I have maybe missed one or two fish total.

[walleyeslammer]

For pike I hit em when they're running. For walleye's I definitely don't hit em on their first run, but typically that is over by the time I get there. When I get to the tip up, I let out some slack and then grab the line and slowly pull back until I feel a little resistance, and then stick em. If they happen to go on a second run before that, I'll hit them on that too.

[hibanks1]

wouldnt do it any other way than this technique...

[GatorBait]

For pike, the easiest hooks are when they are about to spool ya, never lost on yet when they are running for the other side of the lake. Just hit it hard and let them run tired. Nothing worse than loosing a energetic big one at the whole.